Is expiation required for killing the women and children of the people of war (Ahl al-Harb)?

Chapter on Qasamah (Oaths regarding murder)

Al-Mughni

Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)

Book 48 · Issue 3 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There is no expiation required for the killing of women and children of the people of war because they possess neither faith nor covenant of protection (Aman). The prohibition against killing them is based only on the benefit Muslims derive from taking them as slaves through captivity.